Construction of handles



July 12, 1938. N. R. STILES 2,123,813

CONSTRUCTION OF HANDLES Filed May 28, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR NOEL RAY STILES ATTORNEYS July 12, 1938. R s s 2,123,813

CONSTRUCTION OF HANDLES Filed May 28, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR NOEL RAY STILES ATTRNEYs 7M Wen m July 12, 1938. R 5 2,123,813

CON STRUCT I ON OF HANDLES Filed May 28, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR NOEL RAY STILES E1 ymiv V ATTORNEYS July 12, 1938. N R STILES 2,123,813

CONSTRUCTION OF HANDLES Filed May 28, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR NOEL RAY STILES ATTORNEYS Patented July 12, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFECE Application May 28, 1936, Serial No. 82,359 In Great Britain May 30, 1935 12 Claims.

The object of this invention is to construct a handle for use with vacuum carpet cleaners and other articles, in an improved manner.

My invention comprises a handle for use with vacuum carpet cleaners and other articles constructed in sections, capable of being rigidly held together or disconnected for reducing the length for easy carriage and storage, some sections being formed with tubular edges connected by a flat web or webs, an end or the ends of one or more sections being provided with coupling means projecting from the tubular portions for engaging with the tubular portions of another section or sections, and means for temporarily securing the sections to the projecting coupling means, a grip portion or another section constructed as of a curved or other shaped strip or strips secured together, having one end constructed to form coupling means or with coupling means applied, a

semi oval or half-round strip secured to each side of the curved or other strip for a portion of its length, a tubular length of india rubber or like material surrounding the grip section means for securing same to the grip portion, and a further section constructed from a curved bar or bars having means at one end for attachment to a carpet sweeper or other article, the other end or ends being so constructed as to be connectable to a section and means for temporarily holding it thereto.

My invention will be clearly understood from the following description aided by the annexed drawings in which Figure 1 is a side elevation, and Figure 2 a front view of a complete handle with the sections assembled.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of a handle with the sections disassembled.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of a section having tubular edges, but without projecting coupling means.

Figure 5 is a section on the line V, V of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a section on the line VI, VI of Figure 4.

Figure '7 is a section on the line VII, VII of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a side View of a tubular edged section partly in section, and showing the projecting coupling means in position at one end.

Figure 9 is an end view of the section shown in Figure 8 and showing the projecting coupling means.

Figure 10 is a section on the line X, X of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a perspective elevation of a portion of one of the lengths of metal for forming a section.

Figure 12 is an elevation, and Figure 13 a part sectional edge view of a coupling device.

Figure 14 is a side View, and Figure 15 an edge view, and Figure 16 a side view, all partly in section of the grip section.

Figure 1'7 is a sectional view on the line XVII, XVII of Figure 14.

Figure 18 is a section on the line XVIII, XVIII of Figure 14.

Figure 19 is a section on the line XIX, XIX of Figure 14.

Figure 20 is a side elevation of a curved fiat strip or strips of the grip section.

Figure 21 is a section on the line XXI, XXI of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a side view of a curved semi-oval strip positioned on the strip shown in Figure 20.

Figure 23 is a section on the line XXIII, XXIII of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a screw threaded holed plate fitting recesses in the end of the curved strip shown in Figure 20.

Figure 25 is a view of the cap on the free end of the grip section, and Figure 26 a view of'a ferrule fitted on the grip section.

Figure 2'7 is a front view, partly in section, and Figure 28 a side view of the section attachable to a vacuum cleaner.

Figure 29 is a section on the line XXIX, XXIX of Figure 28.

Figure 30 is a section on the line XXX, XXX of Figure 2'7.

Figure 31 is a front view, and Figure 32 a plan of one of a half tube encircling the members attached to a vacuum cleaner.

Figure 33 is a front elevation of one of the curved bars attached to a vacuum cleaner.

Figure 34 is a side view of a plate positionable between the curved bars.

Figure 35 is a plan of a curved strip positionable under and secured to the curved bars and engaging the strip shown in Figure 34.

Figure 36 is a plan of a vacuum cleaner with a portion of a handle attached.

Figure 37 is a side view, and Figure 38 an edge View of the handle attachment plate.

The handle may be formed in any number of sections, and I will describe same as applied to four sections.

As shown on the drawings the two centre sections A, B as at Figures 4 to 13 are each formed of two lengths of metal formed by stamping and bending or otherwise, with a semi-circular or arcuate portion I along its length having a fiat web 2 extending from each edge, the webs 2 being engaged with each other, see Figure 7, and secured together by Welding or otherwise, thus forming a section having two tubular edges I with the combined webs 2 between. At one end of each section, or both ends of one section, I position and secure in the end or ends of the section a coupling means comprising a double plate 4, each stamped with parallel semi-circular ribs 5 and secured together with the ribs 5 coinciding on the outside, and such ribs 5 extend at 5 toout,- side one end of the plate to form extensions, and this plate is positioned inside one or both ends of a section A or B, with the extensions. 5 projecting therefrom, and such plate is secured inside the section, and a hole 5 is provided near its outer end corresponding with a hole 1- in the end of the next section to which this section is to be joined, the hole on one side of the other section being surrounded by a screw boss, so that on the insertion of the extensions 5 into the. end of the next section, the two sections can be rigidly clamped together by a screwed bolt 9 being passed through the holes 1, 6' and engaging the screw boss 8, or I may employ separate coupling means or the like having a portion projecting from the section, and near the other end I form a hole completely through the webs 2, and surrounding each hole on one side I form a semicircular recess in each tubular portion and opening into same, and in each hole I pass a screw bolt provided with a washer, which is of a diameter to engage the recesses in the tubularportions and grip the coupling means, the screw bolt engaging a screw threaded hole in the webs or a nut positioned on the other side of the webs,

The handle gripportion or third section as at Figures 14' to 26 is made from a curved flat strip- IEI formed preferably from two pieces of metal secured together (or it may be straight or other formation) having at one end a projecting portion w of slightly lesser width, andsuch piece of metal has ribs 10 l0 formed therewith and projecting outside when the pieces are secured together, such combined ribs I0 l0 fitting the tubular portion of a section, and at the other end two different sized recesses H, H and to this flat strip is welded or otherwise secured on each side a curved or bulged strip l2, l2 semi-oval or half-round in cross section, such strips I2, l2 being positioned on the fiat strip so that they coincide with the recessed end and are slightly away from the reduced width portion at theother end, but covering a portion of the ribs I0 In the larger recessed end and with-in the larger recess II is secured aplate- I3 having a screw threaded central hole, suchplate l3 having extensions I 3 which fit holes I 4- in the strips [-2 and can be secured. thereto.

To the fiat strip at the, reduced width end, I position a ferrule l5, and I afiix to the reduced end 10 of the strip l0 a short length l6 of a section constructed as previously described and thus holding the ferrule in position so that it rests against the ends of the outside strips I-2, and at the other end of the section It, I may apply the coupling ribs 5.

On the combined elements forming the hand grip portion or section, I position a tubular length of india rubber or like material I! which forms the outside of the grip portion and fits the elements with one end engaging the ferrule 15, and the other end about flush with the end of the handle, and on this end I position a cap l8 which engages the ends and is provided with a central hole, so that by application of a screw l9 to said hole and the screw threaded hole in the plate l3 in the end, the capl8 and outside grip portion I! can be held to the hand grip portion, and the screw may be provided with a ring or hook.

The fourth section, see Figures 2'7 to 35, is connected to the means or is constructed with means to which the handle can be connected to the vacuum carpet sweeper or other article.

In constructing this section, I employ two bars 20., each being curved or angled at one end 20 and carrying means such as projecting pins 2|, 22, one. 2| for engaging slots 23 in plates 23 on the sidesv of the cleaner for propulsion purposes, and the other 22 for engaging a hole 24 when not required for propulsion purposes. Each bar 20 is then curved at right angles to an arcuate shape as at 20 andthen straight as at 20, so that when the two bars are positioned with their straight surfaces adjoining, the remainder form a fork for its ends to embrace the sweeper.

In joining the two bars 20 together, the straight portions 20 have a strip 25 positioned between them for a portion of their length leaving the straight surfaces projecting in parallel order, andthe strip 25 has a hole 25 at one end for receiving a curved strip 26 which has recesses 26 on opposite edges to engage the Walls of the hole 25 and such curved strip 25 when positioned fits under the bottom of the curved portions 20 of the bars 20 and is. welded thereto.

At the top of the strip 25 is positioned a collar 2'! forming a base to the parallel extensions 20, and these parallel extensions are shaped somewhat like a dumb bell for embracing one of the sections A or B when connected thereto and further held by a bolt 9 (Fig. 36) being passed through the section and holes 20 in the straight portions 20; Surrounding the upper curved porti'ons 20 of the bars and the straight portions up to the collar 2'! on each side, is a channel device 28 fitting the straight portions 20 to the strip 25 and over the upper curved portions 20 of the bars 20 and turned down under the curved plate 26, each device 28- being rivetted at 29 tothe straight portions 20 and strip 25 next the collar 21, thus forming a protection and strengthening device to the section.

In assembling the sections, the fourth section is connected to the one of the two centre sections by the straight portion-s 20 being passed outside the other section B and embracing same, and the other centre section A is applied to this section B by its coupling means engaging the tubes in the section A, and the hand grip portion is applied the same way to the other end of the last applied centre section; the bolts 9 are then engaged and tightened up to hold all the sections rigidly to gether, when the handle can be applied to a sweeper or other article.

' To dismantle the handle, the bolts 9 are loosened and removed and the sections pulled apart, and for storage or carriage, the sections are sweeper, the hand grip portion and the endportion may be provided with electric plugs, and the sections provided with plugs and sockets on the inside, electrically insulated and connected with wires contained in the sections, hand grip and end portion, so that when the sections are positioned together, the electric contacts can be made at the same time, and when in use the plugs in the handle grip portion may be connected with a socket in a wall, and the plugs at the end connecting the sweeper connected with the socket controlling the motor, but the electric wiring may be effected in any other manner, and a switch may be provided on the hand grip portion.

What I do claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A handle for use with vacuum cleaners and other articles constructed with its stem in sections capable of being rigidly held together or disconnected, each section for forming the length or stem being formed from two lengths. of metal shaped with a semi-circular tubular portion with a fiat web extending from each edge of the semicircular portion, the webs being engaged and secured together, projecting means from this semi-circular or tubular portion on the end of certain sections for engaging within the tubular portion of another section, means for temporarily securing the section to the projecting means, a hand grip portion comprising strips secured together and having an end piece at one end and projecting means on the other end for engaging the tubular portions of a section, means for securing the projecting means to the tubular portions, a curved forked frame having means at the two forked ends for conection to the vacuum cleaner or article, and projecting means on the outside and centrally of its length for connection to a section forming the length or stem, the sections forming the length or stem being connected together with the hand grip at one end and the vacuum cleaner or other article at the other end.

2. In a handle construction, two strips having midportions arcuate in cross. section forming edge portions, webs in spaced relation extending from each edge portion, said webs being secured together in overlapping relation with one web disposed between the webs of the other strip, said edge portions: providing channels for engagement by an adjacent handle section.

3. In a handle construction, two strips having midportions arcuate in cross section forming edge portions, webs in spaced relation extending from each edge portion, said webs being secured together in overlapping relation with one web disposed between the webs of the other strip, and a coupling for engagement with an adjacent handle part, said coupling extending between said strips and having portions disposed in said edge portions.

4. In a handle construction, two strips having midportions arcuate in cross section forming edge portions, webs in spaced relation extending from each edge portion, said webs being secured together in overlapping relation with one web disposed between the webs of the other strip, said edge portions providing channels for engagement by an adjacent handle section, said webs having aligning openings therethrough, and threads in one of said openings for engagement by a fastening screw.

5. In a handle construction, two strips having midportions arcuate in cross section forming edge portions, webs in spaced relation extending from each edge portion, said webs being secured together in overlapping relation with one web disposed between the webs of the other strip, said edge portions providing channels for engagement by an adjacent handle section, said webs at one end of the device being spaced apart and having aligning openings therethrough for fastening of an adjacent handle part, said webs having aligned openings therethrough, and screw threads in one of said openings for engagement by a fastening screw.

6. In a handle construction, a flat strip, outwardly bulged strips disposed against opposite faces of the fiat strip, a tubular cover about said strips, a plate interfitted with one end of the flat strip, interengaging fastening means between the plate and adjacent end portions of the bulged strips, and means engaged with the plate to secure the cover in place.

7. In a handle construction, a flat strip, outwardly bulged strips disposed against opposite faces of the fiat strip, a tubular cover about said strips, a plate interfitted with one end of the flat strip, the fiat strip having a notch at one end in which said plate is seated, lugs on said plate engaging openings in. the bulged strips, a cap disposed over the ends of the bulged strips and flat strip, and means fastening the cap to the plate.

8. In a handle construction, a flat strip, outwardly bulged strips disposed against opposite faces of the flat strip, a tubular cover about said strips, a plate interfitted with one end of the fiat strip, interengaging fastening means between the plate and adjacent end portions of the bulged strips, and means engaged with the plate to secure the cover in place, said fiat strip comprising contacting members having portions. extending beyond the first mentioned strips and provided with ribs for engagement with an adjacent handle part.

9. In a handle construction, bars having straight portions, a spacing strip therebetween spaced from terminal ends of the bars. so that they may constitute attaching tines, said bars having portions extending outwardly adjacent the strip and collectively forming a fork for engagement with an implement, a strip contacting and reinforcing said portions and interfitted with the first strip.

10. In a handle construction, bars having straight portions, a spacing strip therebetween spaced from terminal ends of the bars so that they may constitute attaching tines, said bars having portions extending outwardly adjacent the strip and collectively forming a fork for engagement with an implement, a strip contacting and reinforcing said portions and interfitted with the first strip, and reinforcing structure enclosing said bars adjacent the locations of said strips.

11. In a handle construction, bars having straight portions, a spacing strip therebetween spaced from terminal ends of the bars so that they may constitute attaching tines, said bars having portions extending outwardly adjacent the strip and collectively forming a fork for engagement with an implement, said strip having an opening, a strip extending through said opening and having notches engaging the walls at said opening, the second strip contacting and reinforcing said portions, a collar resting on the first strip and through which the tines pass, and reinforcing channel devices engaging the collar and enclosing said strips and adjacent portions of the bars.

12. In a handle construction, a flat strip, outwardly bulged strips disposed against opposite faces of the fiat strip, a tubular cover about said strips, a plate interfitted with one end of the flat strip, interengaging fastening means between the plate and adjacent end portions of the bulged part, said adjacent handle part comprising two strips having portions arcuate in cross section,

strips, and means engaged with the plate to secure webs inspacedrelationextending from each edge portion, said webs being secured together in overlapping relation with one web disposed between the Webs of the other strip, said edge portions providing channels receiving said ribs.

NOEL RAY STILES. 

